BARTLETT- State Senator Tom Cullerton passed a series of reforms to help lower Bartlett property taxes and ensure DuPage schools are fairly funded.

Cullerton worked to pass a series of reforms that will lead to property tax savings through government consolidation measures, property tax relief and working to guarantee Illinois schools are funded the right way.

Senate Bill 3, which will spread Cullerton’s bipartisan government consolidation model statewide, passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support. This measure will allow counties to dissolve certain units of local government through a voter referendum.

“My goal is to save money, reduce taxes and make sure government is working for the people,” Cullerton said “The best way to lower property taxes is to put government consolidation decisions in the hands of the people who receive the services. This one small step will lower property tax bills and streamline government services.”

Cullerton supported Senate Bill 1, which will help schools such as U-46 and District 300, which have been shortchanged for decades under the existing education funding formula.

These districts could soon see a significant increase of funding to level the playing field with neighboring school districts but not at the expense of other school districts. No school district in Illinois will lose funding under the new proposed formula.

The increase in funding to schools passed by the Senate this legislative session will work toward giving schools in need of extra support based on an evidence-based model that accounts for factors such as students with disabilities and low-income students.

U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders joined superintendents, school administrators and educators across DuPage County and Illinois to support Senate Bill 1.

“We’re grateful for all legislators who supported this significant school funding legislation but especially local legislators like Sen. Tom Cullerton. Senate Bill 1 is for us--the kids, families, and educators who make up the heart of U-46,” said Sanders. “SB1 aligns to the mission and values of the Governor's school funding reform commission. No district loses money but we’ll finally see equity in that state funds will better support both low-income and low property wealth districts."

The state’s school funding formula has not been updated in more than 20 years and is considered one of the worst in the nation because it relies so heavily on local property taxes. Cullerton believes this funding plan will help DuPage residents in Bartlett, Carol Stream and Hanover Park see lower property tax bills.

“Illinois needs to move toward a school funding system that is fair and gives all children, regardless of their ZIP code, a chance to succeed,” Cullerton said. “We are evening the playing field for children in districts such as U-46 and District 300 but not at the expense of the children attending other DuPage County school districts. This funding method will move Illinois from a formula with winners and losers to a system that gives all of the children across our communities an opportunity to succeed.”

Here is the list of schools in the 23rd Senate District.

Cullerton urges area residents to call his Villa Park Office at (630) 903-6662 if residents have any questions.

BLOOMINGDALE- State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is continuing his series of Property Tax Appeal Seminars this week.

Cullerton is hosting two additional seminars for Bloomingdale Township and York residents. Property tax experts will be on hand to offer advice to homeowners to help them lower their tax bills. These events are free and open to the public.

Below is the schedule of seminars:

Bloomingdale Township:

Bloomingdale Township residents are invited to attend a seminar with Cullerton and Bloomingdale Township Assessor John T. Dabrowski on Wednesday, June 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Glendale Heights Senior Center (260 Civic Centre Plaza, Glendale Heights, IL).

York Township:Join Cullerton and York Township Assessor Deanna Wilkins on Thursday, June 8 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the York Township Building (17W275 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook Terrace, IL) for a seminar for citizens of York Township.

“The number one complaint I hear from DuPage residents is about high property tax bills,” said Cullerton. “If you are looking for ways to find savings on your property tax bills, I urge you to take advantage of this seminar.”

Bloomingdale and York Township participants should bring:

• Appraisal (if done in the last 1.5 years) • Closing statement (if the home was purchased in the last year)• Property tax bill• Valid state ID or driver’s license.

“These seminars are a valuable resource. It is important to me to give area residents the necessary tools to save money,” said Cullerton.

Cullerton and Addison Assessor Chris Kain hosted a well-attended seminar on Monday night to guide area residents through the property tax appeal process.

“I appreciate the partnership between Addison Township Assessor Chris Kain and our office to host such a valued and successful event,” Cullerton said. “This one-hour seminar gave people across Addison Township a quick resource to help them save money on their property tax bills.”

“If you are looking for ways to find savings on your property tax bills, I urge you to take advantage of this seminar,” Cullerton said.

Residents of Addison Township should bring:

• Appraisal (if done in the last 1.5 years)• Closing statement (if the home was purchased in the last year)• Property tax bill• Valid state ID or driver’s license***Property tax experts will be on hand to offer advice to homeowners to help them lower their tax bills.

This seminar is part of a series of Property Tax Seminars hosted by Cullerton this summer.

“These seminars are a valuable resource. It is important to give area residents the necessary tools to save money,” Cullerton said.

For more information, please visit www.SenatorTomCullerton.com or call (630) 903-6662.

Cullerton passed House Bill 3161 which will require the Department of Human Services to create and maintain a website to educate the public on heroin and prescription opioid abuse.

“We need to equip every single person who touches the life of a young person with the necessary resources to combat the heroin epidemic,” Cullerton said. “This is a simple step the state can take to make sure DuPage parents have a place to turn to help their children avoid or kick this deadly addiction.”

The website will include items such as warning signs of heroin and prescription opioid addiction, helpful hints for parents on how to discuss the dangers of these addictions with their children, available treatment options and services, and other related information.

This legislation comes in light of a request made by the federal government to DHS. Without passing House Bill 3161 the state risks losing federal funds to fight substance addiction.

The DuPage County Coroner Office’s reports a total of 78 opiate related deaths in 2016, a 78% increase from 2015.

“We need to make sure people know there is help out there,” Cullerton said. “We need to make sure those suffering from opioid addiction and their loved ones know where to find it.”

Cullerton urges DuPage County residents to give his Villa Park Office a call at (630) 903-6662 with any question regarding where to receive help fighting opioid addiction.

Hiring Fair: Aug. 23

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